"American Idol" judge Paula Abdul is speaking out about former "Idol" contestant Jennifer Hudson's family tragedy that claimed the lives of her mother, brother, and nephew last Friday in Chicago, Illinois.

"This is a horrific tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her entire family," Abdul said in a press release. "The time I had to get to know Jennifer and forge a wonderful friendship with her while she was on [American] Idol was very special to me, and I personally can't imagine a greater loss for any family."

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